Following the dismissal of head coach Dan Bylsma, the Seattle Kraken have elevated long-serving general manager Ron Francis to the role of president of hockey operations. His former assistant, Jason Botterill, will now assume the day-to-day duties as general manager.
This organizational change, announced on Tuesday, follows a disappointing season where the Kraken missed the playoffs for the third time in four years and saw their performance decline under Bylsma`s leadership.
“These changes reflect our commitment to becoming a sustained playoff team,” owner Samantha Holloway stated. “Ron has built an excellent hockey operations department and established a solid foundation. This enhanced structure will allow Ron to focus on our long-term vision while Jason handles daily operations.`”
Francis has been at the helm virtually since the team was awarded an NHL expansion franchise. Both he and Botterill now face the crucial tasks of finding a new head coach and improving a roster that currently lacks top-tier talent.
“I am proud of what we have initiated here in Seattle and look forward to continuing in my new position as President,” Francis commented. “I have collaborated closely with Jason for many years at both the NHL and international levels. He played a key role in constructing three Stanley Cup-winning teams in Pittsburgh and has been integral to our management since its inception. He has proven ability in building successful teams, and his experience, leadership, and strategic outlook will be invaluable as we strive to become a championship-caliber organization in Seattle.`”
This marks Botterill`s second tenure as an NHL general manager, having previously led the Buffalo Sabres organization from 2017 to 2020.
“We are focused on taking the next step as a franchise, and for us, next season begins now,” Botterill stated. “From roster decisions to player development, we will dedicate all efforts to building a team capable of competing for the playoffs annually and ultimately bringing a Stanley Cup to Seattle.”
This playoff goal was not achieved under Bylsma. The Kraken`s recent season concluded with a record of 35-41-6, accumulating 76 points. This placed them 20 points outside the final Western Conference wild-card spot, a decline from the 81 points earned in the 2023-24 season under former coach Dave Hakstol.
Bylsma was promoted internally, having coached the AHL`s Coachella Valley Firebirds to consecutive Calder Cup Finals appearances, though they lost both times to Hershey. He previously won the Stanley Cup coaching the Pittsburgh Penguins in 2009, remaining with the team until 2014 and earning the Jack Adams Award for Coach of the Year in 2011.
This marked Bylsma`s third head coaching role in the NHL, following an unsuccessful two-year period with Buffalo from 2015 to 2017. His dismissal makes him the third coach fired in as many days, following the departures of Greg Cronin from Anaheim and Peter Laviolette from the New York Rangers.
Tristan Blackwood